Methods and apparatus for punching through egg shells with reduced force

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for forming an opening in a shell of an avian egg such that the potential for cracking is greatly reduced are provided and comprise moving a punch through an egg shell at speeds equal to or greater than thirty (30) inches per second. Punches may be driven via various devices including gravity-assisted devices, spring-assisted devices, solenoid-assisted devices, and fluid-assisted (e.g., compressed air, compressed nitrogen, liquid, etc.) devices. The shell of an egg may be pierced without causing cracking by hurling one or more small projectiles at the egg shell at speeds in excess of 30 inches per second. A punch may be mounted on a piezoelectric actuator configured to vibrate at frequencies in a range of between about 1,000 Hz and about 100,000 Hz. These frequencies effectively cause a punch to move at speeds in excess of 30 inches per second.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to eggs and, moreparticularly, to methods and apparatus for processing eggs in ovo.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Injections of various substances into avian eggs have beenemployed to decrease post-hatch mortality rates, increase the potentialgrowth rates or eventual size of the resulting chicken, and even toinfluence the gender determination of the embryo. Similarly, injectionsof antigens into live eggs have been employed to incubate varioussubstances used in vaccines which have human or animal medicinal ordiagnostic applications. Examples of substances that have been used for,or proposed for, in ovo injection include vaccines, antibiotics andvitamins. In addition, removal of material from avian eggs has beenemployed for various purposes, such as testing and vaccine harvesting.Examples of in ovo treatment substances and methods of in ovo injectionare described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,630 to Sharma et al., U.S. Pat. No.5,028,421 to Fredericksen et al., and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,032,612 and6,286,455 to Williams, the contents of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entireties.

[0003] An egg injection device conventionally is designed to operate inconjunction with commercial egg carrier devices or flats. The injectiondevice may comprise a plurality of injection needles which operatesimultaneously or sequentially to inject a plurality of eggs, or asingle injection needle used to inject a plurality of eggs. Theinjection device may comprise an “injection head” which comprises theinjection needle or needles, and wherein each injection needle is influid communication with a source containing a treatment substance to beinjected. A single fluid source may supply all of the injection needlesin an injection device, or multiple fluid sources may be utilized.

[0004] An exemplary in ovo injection apparatus 10 is illustrated inFIG. 1. The illustrated apparatus 10 includes a flat 15 for carryingeggs 20, a stationary base 16, and a plurality of injection deliverydevices, or heads, 25 with fluid delivery means such as lumens orneedle(s) positioned therein in accordance with known techniques. Theflat 15 holds a plurality of eggs 20 in a substantially uprightposition. The flat 15 is configured to provide external access topredetermined areas of the eggs 20. Each egg 20 is held by the flat 15so that a respective end thereof is in proper alignment relative to acorresponding one of the injection heads 25 as the injection head 25advances towards the base 16 of the apparatus.

[0005] In ovo injections of substances (as well as in ovo extractions ofmaterial) typically occur by piercing an egg shell to form an opening(e.g., via a punch), extending an injection needle through the hole andinto the interior of the egg (and in some cases into the avian embryocontained therein), and injecting treatment substance(s) through theneedle and/or removing material therefrom. For example, each injectionhead 25 of the apparatus of FIG. 1 includes a punch 26 and an injectionneedle 27 with the punch surrounding the needle 27 in coaxialrelationship therewith as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B. The punch 26 isconfigured to pierce the egg shell and the needle 27 is configured todeliver a substance into the egg (FIG. 2B).

[0006] Egg flats utilized in conjunction with in ovo injection devicescontain an array of pockets that are configured to support a respectiveplurality of eggs in a generally upright orientation. An exemplary eggflat 30 is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B. The illustrated egg flat 30includes a plurality of rows of pockets 32. Each pocket 32 is configuredto receive one end 20 a of a respective egg 20 so as to support therespective egg 14 in a substantially vertical position. Each pocket 32of the illustrated egg flat 30 contains a plurality of tabs 34 (FIG. 3B)that are configured to support a respective egg as illustrated in FIG.4.

[0007] Although effective in supporting eggs during transport, thesesupport tabs 34 can damage eggs during in ovo processing. The forceapplied to an egg by an in ovo processing punch can push the eggdownwardly against the support tabs 34 with sufficient force to causethe egg to crack. In addition to reducing hatch rates, cracked eggs canlead to contamination of other eggs within an egg flat, as well ascontamination of processing equipment.

[0008] In addition, support tabs in conventional egg flats are somewhatflexible and can deflect when an egg supported thereby is punched. Inaddition, conventional egg flats are typically somewhat flexible. Assuch, during punching of a plurality of eggs, the egg flat structure canwarp and/or twist. This warping and/or twisting of the egg flat can addto the deflection of the support tabs such that when the force ofpunching is removed the egg flat and tabs can grip an egg, therebymaking removal from the egg flat difficult. Accordingly, it would bedesirable to be able to punch through the shell of an egg supportedwithin an egg flat without causing the egg to crack and without causingthe egg to become stuck within the egg flat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In view of the above discussion, methods and apparatus forforming an opening in a shell of an avian egg such that the potentialfor cracking is greatly reduced are provided and comprise moving a punchthrough an egg shell at speeds equal to or greater than thirty (30)inches per second. In order to protect the air cell of an egg, to avoidcontamination, and, in the case of allantois sampling, to avoidpenetrating an adjacent membrane, punch travel is stopped immediatelyupon entering an egg. According to embodiments of the present invention,punch travel is stopped via energy-absorbing material positioned betweenan egg and the housing or support structure of the punch. According toother embodiments of the present invention, punch travel can be stoppedby the punching tool body which can be clamped during punching. Punchesmay be driven via various devices including gravity-assisted devices,spring-assisted devices, solenoid-assisted devices, voice coil-assisteddevices, and fluid-assisted (e.g., compressed air, compressed nitrogen,liquid, etc.) devices. Punches according to embodiments of the presentinvention may also be configured to deliver treatment substances intoeggs.

[0010] According to embodiments of the present invention, the shell ofan egg may be pierced without causing cracking by hurling one or moresmall projectiles at the egg shell at speeds in excess of 30 inches persecond. According to embodiments of the present invention, a non-toxic,bio-degradable material (e.g., ice) is used as a projectile. Accordingto embodiments of the present invention, a projectile may contain apredetermined dosage of a treatment substance.

[0011] According to embodiments of the present invention, the shell ofan egg may be pierced without causing cracking by moving a punch throughan egg shell at speeds equal to or greater than thirty (30) inches persecond and then hurling one or more small projectiles (e.g., ice) withinan egg to penetrate the membrane at the floor of the air cell and/or todeliver a predetermined dosage of a treatment substance.

[0012] According to embodiments of the present invention, a punch may bemounted on a piezoelectric actuator or electromagnetic actuatorconfigured to vibrate at frequencies in a range of between about 1,000Hz and about 100,000 Hz. These frequencies effectively cause a punch tomove at speeds in excess of 30 inches per second.

[0013] Downward motion of an egg due to egg flat and support tabdeflection during punching increases the energy required for punchingthe egg. For example, eggs typically move downward about ⅛ inch to{fraction (3/16)} inch during punching due to egg flat and support tabflexure caused by conventional punching forces averaging about sixpounds per egg. Total energy expended by a punch tool, U, equals forceintegrated over distance (or in the case of a linear relationshipbetween egg deflection and force U=0.5*F*d where F is peak punch forceand d is maximum flat deflection). Total punch work is therefore about0.03 to 0.04 foot-pounds via conventional punching techniques.Measurements of energy required to punch a rigidly supported egg areabout {fraction (1/100)} foot-pound. Thus conventional punching with theattendant flat deflection can increase the energy required to punch anegg by a factor of three to four.

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention can be advantageous overconventional egg shell punching apparatus and methods because lessenergy may be required to form openings within egg shells. Punchingspeeds in excess of 30 inches per second do not appear to allow energyto be expended in deflecting the support tabs within egg flat pockets,the egg flat, or the structure supporting either the egg flat or thepunch tool(s). As a result, smaller punch actuators that are lighter inweight and less expensive/complex than conventional actuators may beutilized, which may result in cost savings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explainprinciples of the invention.

[0016]FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an exemplary in ovo processingapparatus that is configured to form an opening in an egg shell andinject material into an egg and/or remove material from an egg.

[0017] FIGS. 2A-2B are cross-sectional views of a lower portion of aninjector head of the apparatus of FIG. 1 wherein a punch is about topierce the shell of an egg (FIG. 2A), and wherein a needle is injectingmaterial into an egg after an opening has been formed in the shellthereof (FIG. 2B).

[0018]FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a conventional egg flat.

[0019]FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the egg flat of FIG. 3A.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an egg supported within apocket of the egg flat of FIG. 3A.

[0021]FIG. 5 illustrates a gravity-assisted device for forming anopening within an egg shell according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

[0022]FIG. 6 illustrates a spring-assisted device for forming an openingwithin an egg shell according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 7 illustrates a solenoid-assisted device for forming anopening within an egg shell according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

[0024]FIG. 8 illustrates a pneumatic-assisted device for forming anopening within an egg shell according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

[0025]FIG. 9 illustrates a device for hurling a projectile at an eggshell to form an opening therein in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

[0026]FIG. 10 illustrates a punch mounted to a piezoelectric actuatorthat is configured to vibrate rapidly when electrical energy from anelectrical power source is applied thereto in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 11 illustrates a voice coil-assisted device for forming anopening within an egg shell according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The present invention now will be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichpreferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0029] Methods and apparatus according to embodiments of the presentinvention may be practiced with any type of avian egg, including, butnot limited to, chicken, turkey, duck, geese, quail, ostrich, emu,squab, game hen, and pheasant eggs. Moreover, methods and apparatusaccording to embodiments of the present invention may be utilized topunch the shell of an egg at any time during the embryonic developmentperiod (also referred to as the incubation period) thereof. Embodimentsof the present invention are not limited to a particular day during theembryonic development period.

[0030] An exemplary egg injection device, with which methods andapparatus for punching eggs according to embodiments of the presentinvention may be utilized, is the INOVOJECT® automated injection device(Embrex, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina). However,embodiments of the present invention may be utilized with any in ovoprocessing device.

[0031] Methods and apparatus according to embodiments of the presentinvention may be utilized to inject eggs in various orientations.Embodiments of the present invention are not limited only to in ovoinjection devices that inject eggs in the illustrated orientation.

[0032] Applicant has unexpectedly discovered that by moving a punchthrough the shell of an egg supported within an egg flat at speeds inexcess of thirty (30) inches per second, and more particularly at speedsin excess of forty (40) inches per second, shell cracking resulting fromconventional punching operations wherein punching speeds are less thanor equal to about five (5) inches per second can be reducedsignificantly.

[0033] Although not completely understood and not wanting to be bound byany theory of operation, Applicant believes that when the punching rateexceeds about 30 inches per second, the force necessary to produce ahole in an egg shell is sustained for such a short period of time thatthe mass of the egg does not permit the force to move into the compliantsupport tabs of the egg flat such that a counter force is developed bythe support tabs. Moreover, Applicant has unexpectedly discovered thatless energy is required to penetrate the shell of an egg when punchingrates exceed about 30 inches per second and presumes this is becauseenergy is not expended in deflecting egg flat supporting tabs or otherportions of an egg flat.

[0034] A dynamic analysis of punching in excess of 30 inches per secondmodels punching as a momentum transfer from a punch to an egg as thepunch penetrates the egg, followed by an energy analysis of egg motioninto an flat. The momentum, mass times velocity (M*V), imparted to anegg by a punch is the time integral of punch force or impulse (Ft). Eggflat deflection (egg flat force) is then determined by the deflectionnecessary to absorb the kinetic energy of an egg (0.5M*V*V). Thedeflection is given by 0.5*F*F/K where F is peak force of the egg flaton the egg and K is egg flat stiffness.

[0035] In ovo injection procedures may require that the depth ofpenetration of a punch into an egg be limited in order to protect theair cell, to avoid contamination, and, in the case of allantoissampling, to avoid penetrating an adjacent membrane. Limiting punchtravel within an egg requires reducing punch velocity to zero inches persecond (i.e., stopping the punch) immediately upon entering an egg.According to embodiments of the present invention, punch travel islimited through the use of energy-absorbing material positioned betweenthe egg shell and the punching device. An exemplary urethaneenergy-absorbing material is Sorbothane® brand energy-absorbingmaterial, available from Sorbothane, Inc., Kent Ohio. Sorbothane® brandenergy-absorbing material is a visco-elastic material widely recognizedfor its excellent vibration and shock absorption characteristics.Sorbothane® brand energy-absorbing material also exhibits high dampingproperties over a broad temperature and frequency range. Other compliantmaterials such as Neoprene may be used to spread contact forces due topunch deceleration across an egg. Materials that dissipate energy ratherthan spring back are preferable. Conventional punching methods thatclamp a punching tool while it punches can incur excessive punchpenetration into an egg as the deflected egg moves back to its originalposition after the punch penetrates the shell. For situations where anegg is deflected downward during punching, the egg may rebound upward ⅛of an inch or more as an egg flat springs back to it's original shapeafter the punch moves through the shell and the punch force goes from 6pounds back to nil.

[0036] According to embodiments of the present invention, punch travelmay be limited by a stop integral with a punch tool. In this embodiment,punch tool motion may be restricted either by clamping the punch tool orhaving a punch tool of sufficient mass to limit motion thereof.

[0037] According to embodiments of the present invention, punchingspeeds in excess of 30 inches per second may be achieved in various waysincluding, but not limited to, gravity-assisted punching,spring-assisted punching, solenoid-assisted punching, voicecoil-assisted punching, and fluid-assisted (e.g., compressed air,compressed nitrogen, liquid) punching. With respect to gravity-assistedpunching, a punch may be dropped from a predetermined height above anegg to achieve a punching speed in excess of 30 inches per second. FIG.5 illustrates an exemplary gravity-assisted device 40 for forming anopening within an egg shell according to embodiments of the presentinvention. The illustrated device 40 includes a punch 26 fixedlyattached to a member 42 that is configured to fall under the force ofgravity to form an opening in an egg shell. Preferably, member 42 hassufficient mass so that about {fraction (1/100)} foot-pound of energy isavailable for punching. Thus, for a fall of d feet the member 42 wouldhave a mass weighing 0.01/d. For example, a punch and mass that fall 1.2inches ({fraction (1/10)} foot) to the shell should weigh at least{fraction (1/10)} pound.

[0038] A distance of about one to two inches (1-2 in.) above the shellof an egg should be sufficient to generate a desired punching speed.This is predicted by the formula S=V*V/(2*A) where S is the dropdistance before punch contact (inches), V is the desired punch impactspeed (inches per second), and A is the free-fall acceleration ofgravity (12*32.2 inches per second per second). The punch 26 can bereturned to its original position via any manner known to those skilledin this art including mechanically, electromagnetically, and/or viasuction. A gravity-assisted device according to embodiments of thepresent invention may have various configurations and is not limited tothe illustrated embodiment.

[0039] With respect to spring-assisted punching, a punch may bespring-propelled to achieve a punching speed in excess of 30 inches persecond. Preferably, a spring imparts energy to a punch around at leastabout {fraction (1/100)} foot-pounds. FIG. 6 illustrates aspring-assisted device 50 for forming an opening within an egg shellaccording to embodiments of the present invention. The illustrateddevice 50 includes a punch 26 fixedly attached to a member 52 that isurged downwardly by a spring 54 to form an opening in an egg shell. Thepunch 26 can be returned to its original position via any manner knownto those skilled in this art including mechanically,electromagnetically, and/or via suction. A spring-assisted deviceaccording to embodiments of the present invention may have variousconfigurations and is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

[0040] A solenoid-assisted punching device 60 is illustrated in FIG. 7and includes a housing 61 operably associated with a pole piece 62. Apunch 26 is rigidly attached to the pole piece 62 and moves with thepole piece 62. The housing 61 is attached to a support arm 64 which isconfigured to move the housing 61 into contacting relationship with anegg 20 prior to punching and away from the egg after punching. Arm 64may have various configurations and may operate in various ways. Forexample, support arm 64 may move the housing 61 into and out of contactwith an egg in a linear motion, in an arcuate motion, or in acombination of linear and arcuate motions.

[0041] The illustrated housing 61 is operably associated with the polepiece 62 via lugs 65 and clip 66, as would be understood by thoseskilled in the art of solenoid actuators. A spring 67 within the housing61 keeps the pole piece 62 and punch 26 in an elevated position in theabsence of electrical current through the solenoid coil 68.

[0042] In operation, when electrical current is applied to the coil 68,the pole piece 62 and punch 26 are driven downwardly at a speed inexcess of 30 inches per second to pierce the shell of the egg 20. Whenelectrical current is removed from the coil 68, the spring 67 urges thepole piece 62 and punch 26 upwardly away from the egg 20.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, energy-absorbing, compliantmaterial 69 is attached to the bottom portion 61 a of the housing 61.The energy-absorbing, compliant material 69 deflects (squashes) toabsorb the motion of the housing 61 as well as deforms to spread theseforces from stopping the punch 26 over a wide area of the shell tominimize cracks. The momentum of the housing 61 is imparted to theenergy-absorbing, compliant material 69 as the energy-absorbing,compliant material 69 halts the motion of the punch 26. Theenergy-absorbing material 69 reduces the speed of the pole piece 62 andpunch 26 immediately upon piercing of the egg shell by the punch 26.After penetrating the egg 20, the pole piece 62 impacts the solenoidhousing 61 and imparts momentum to the housing according to M₁*V₁ (polepiece mass times velocity before impact)=M₂*V₂ (pole piece and housingafter impact). The energy-absorbing material 69 may have various shapesand configurations and is not limited to the illustrated configuration.A solenoid-assisted device according to embodiments of the presentinvention may have various configurations and is not limited to theillustrated embodiment.

[0044] With respect to pneumatic-assisted punching, a punch may beassisted by air or other compressed gases to achieve a punching speed inexcess of 30 inches per second. FIG. 8 illustrates a pneumatic-assisteddevice 70 for forming an opening within an egg shell according toembodiments of the present invention. The illustrated device 70 includesa punch 26 fixedly attached to a piston 72 that is urged downwardly bycompressed air (or other fluids/gases) entering the cylinder 74 from asource 73 to form an opening in an egg shell. The punch 26 can bereturned to its original position via any manner known to those skilledin this art including mechanically, electromagnetically, and/or viasuction. A pneumatic-assisted device according to embodiments of thepresent invention may have various configurations and is not limited tothe illustrated embodiment.

[0045] According to embodiments of the present invention, a punch may beconfigured to deliver a treatment substance into an egg after forming anopening in a shell thereof. Treatment substance delivery may occur via adelivery needle disposed within the punch as is known to those skilledin the art.

[0046] According to embodiments of the present invention, the shell ofan egg may be pierced without causing cracking by hurling one or moresmall projectiles at the egg shell at speeds in excess of 30 inches persecond. Preferably, a non-toxic, biodegradable material (e.g., ice) isused as a projectile; however, various types of materials may beutilized. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to theuse of ice projectiles. Projectiles may be hurled at an egg via variousmechanisms, including mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic mechanisms.FIG. 9 illustrates a projectile 80 (e.g., ice) being hurled at an eggshell from a device 82 in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. In the illustrated embodiment, the projectile is powered bycompressed air from a compressed air source 83.

[0047] According to embodiments of the present invention, a projectilemay contain a treatment substance to be injected within an egg. Forexample, an ice projectile may include a treatment substance to beinjected within an egg.

[0048] According to other embodiments of the present invention, one ormore projectiles may be hurled into an egg after an opening has beenformed via a punch. These projectiles may be configured to penetrate oneor more membranes within an egg and/or to deliver one or more treatmentsubstances within an egg. These projectiles may be delivered via thepunch or another device inserted within the opening or positionedadjacent the opening.

[0049] Projectiles according to embodiments of the present invention mayhave various shapes, sizes and configurations. For example, projectilesconfigured to form an opening within an egg shell may have an elongated,cylindrical shape similar to that of a conventional punch. Projectilesconfigured to be hurled within an egg after an opening has been formedmay have a generally spherical shape. A first projectile utilized toform an opening within an egg shell may have a different shape and/orconfiguration than subsequent projectiles. For example, a firstprojectile may have an elongated, cylindrical shape for forming anopening and subsequent projectiles may have a spherical shape fordelivering one or more treatment substances within an egg and/or forpenetrating one or more membranes within an egg.

[0050] Projectiles formed of ice may be cast, as in an ice tray, usingvarious types of refrigeration equipment and techniques known to thoseskilled in the art.

[0051] According to embodiments of the present invention, a punch may bemounted on a piezoelectric actuator configured to vibrate at frequenciesin a range of between about 1,000 Hz and about 100,000 Hz. Thesefrequencies effectively cause a punch to move at speeds in excess of 30inches per second. In this embodiment, the shell may be pierced bysuccessive impacts, each imparting small cracks at the point of impactuntil the shell cracks with a small net punch force. As is known tothose of skill in the art, a piezoelectric actuator is a solid statedevice that converts electrical energy directly into motion. FIG. 10illustrates a punch 26 mounted to a piezoelectric actuator 90 that isconfigured to vibrate rapidly when electrical energy from an electricalpower source 91 is applied thereto in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention. A piezoelectric device according to embodiments ofthe present invention may have various configurations and is not limitedto the illustrated embodiment.

[0052] With respect to voice coil-assisted punching, a punch may beassisted by a voice coil device to achieve a punching speed in excess of30 inches per second. Voice coil actuators are direct drive, limitedmotion devices that utilize a permanent magnet field and coil winding(conductor) to produce a force proportional to the current applied tothe coil. Voice coil devices that may be utilized in accordance withembodiments of the present invention are available from BEITechnologies, Inc., Kimco Magnetics Division, 804-A Rancheros Drive, SanMarcos, Calif.

[0053]FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary voice coil-assisted device 100for forming an opening within an egg shell according to embodiments ofthe present invention. The illustrated device 100 includes aferromagnetic cylinder housing 102 that includes a cylinder 103. Apermanent magnet 104 is attached to the inside wall of the cylinder 103as illustrated. A coil holder 106 is slidably disposed within thecylinder 103 along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 103. A tubularcoil of wire 108 is situated within the coil holder 106 as illustrated.An inner core of ferromagnetic material 110 set along the axialcenterline of the coil completes the magnetic circuit. The forcegenerated axially upon the coil 108 when current flows through the coil108 will produce relative motion between the coil holder 106 and thecylinder housing 102, as would be understood by those skilled in theart.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, voice coil device 100 includes apunch 26 fixedly attached to the coil holder 106 that can be urgeddownwardly at speeds greater than or equal to 30 inches per second whencurrent flows through the coil 108 as described above to form an openingin an egg shell. The punch 26 can be returned to its original positionvia any manner known to those skilled in this art.

[0055] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is notto be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplaryembodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in theart will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in theexemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thisinvention as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understoodthat the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is notto be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, andthat modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as otherembodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, withequivalents of the claims to be included therein.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A method of forming an opening in a shellof an avian egg such that the potential for cracking is reduced, themethod comprising moving a punch through the shell at a speed equal toor greater than thirty (30) inches per second.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising orienting the egg into a predetermined position priorto moving the punch through the egg shell.
 3. The method of claim 1,further comprising limiting travel of the punch through the egg shell toa predetermined distance.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein limitingtravel of the punch comprises reducing the speed of the punch to zeroinches per second via energy-absorbing material positioned between theegg and a housing that carries the punch.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein movement of the punch at a speed equal to or greater than thirty(30) inches per second is performed by an actuator selected from thegroup consisting of gravity actuators, spring actuators, solenoidactuators, voice coil actuators, pneumatic actuators, piezoelectricactuators, and electromagnetic actuators.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the punch comprises a projectile and wherein moving a punchthrough the shell at a speed equal to or greater than thirty (30) inchesper second comprises hurling the projectile at the egg shell at a speedequal to or greater than thirty (30) inches per second.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the projectile comprises a non-toxic, bio-degradablematerial.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the projectile comprisesice.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the punch is attached to apiezoelectric actuator and wherein moving a punch through the shell at aspeed equal to or greater than thirty (30) inches per second comprisescausing the piezoelectric actuator to vibrate within a frequency rangeof between about 1,000 Hz and about 100,000 Hz.
 10. A method fortreating avian embryos in ovo, comprising: orienting an avian egg into apredetermined position; introducing an opening into a shell of the egg,comprising moving a punch through the shell at a speed equal to orgreater than thirty (30) inches per second; extending a delivery devicethrough the opening and into the egg a predetermined depth; releasing apredetermined dosage of a treatment substance into the egg; andretracting the delivery device from the egg, thereby treating the avianembryo.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the delivery devicecomprises a delivery needle.
 12. The method of claim 10, whereinmovement of the punch at a speed equal to or greater than thirty (30)inches per second is performed by an actuator selected from the groupconsisting of gravity actuators, spring actuators, solenoid actuators,voice coil actuators, pneumatic actuators, piezoelectric actuators, andelectromagnetic actuators.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the punchcomprises a projectile and wherein moving a punch through the shell at aspeed equal to or greater than thirty (30) inches per second compriseshurling the projectile at the egg shell at a speed equal to or greaterthan thirty (30) inches per second.
 14. The method of claim 13, whereinthe projectile comprises a non-toxic, bio-degradable material.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the projectile comprises ice.
 16. The methodof claim 10, wherein the punch is attached to a piezoelectric actuatorand wherein moving a punch through the shell at a speed equal to orgreater than thirty (30) inches per second comprises causing thepiezoelectric actuator to vibrate within a frequency range of betweenabout 1,000 Hz and about 100,000 Hz.
 17. A method for treating avianembryos in ovo, comprising: orienting an avian egg into a predeterminedposition; introducing an opening into a shell of the egg, comprisingmoving a punch through the shell at a speed equal to or greater thanthirty (30) inches per second; releasing a predetermined dosage of atreatment substance into the egg via the punch; and retracting the punchfrom the egg, thereby treating the avian embryo.
 18. The method of claim17, wherein the punch comprises a delivery needle.
 19. The method ofclaim 17, wherein movement of the punch at a speed equal to or greaterthan thirty (30) inches per second is performed by an actuator selectedfrom the group consisting of gravity actuators, spring actuators,solenoid actuators, voice coil actuators, pneumatic actuators,piezoelectric actuators, and electromagnetic actuators.
 20. The methodof claim 17, wherein the punch comprises a projectile and wherein movinga punch through the shell at a speed equal to or greater than thirty(30) inches per second comprises hurling the projectile at the egg shellat a speed equal to or greater than thirty (30) inches per second. 21.The method of claim 20, wherein the projectile comprises a non-toxic,biodegradable material.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein theprojectile comprises ice.
 23. The method of claim 17, wherein the punchis attached to a piezoelectric actuator and wherein moving a punchthrough the shell at a speed equal to or greater than thirty (30) inchesper second comprises causing the piezoelectric actuator to vibratewithin a frequency range of between about 1,000 Hz and about 100,000 Hz.24. A method for treating avian embryos in ovo, comprising: orienting anavian egg into a predetermined position; introducing an opening in ashell of the egg, comprising moving a punch through the shell at a speedequal to or greater than thirty (30) inches per second; and delivering apredetermined dosage of a treatment substance into the egg.
 25. Themethod of claim 24, wherein the punch comprises a projectile and whereinmoving a punch through the shell at a speed equal to or greater thanthirty (30) inches per second comprises hurling the projectile at theegg shell at a speed equal to or greater than thirty (30) inches persecond.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the projectile comprises anon-toxic, bio-degradable material.
 27. The method of claim 25, whereinthe projectile comprises ice.
 28. The method of claim 24, whereindelivering a predetermined dosage of a treatment substance into the eggcomprises hurling a projectile comprising a treatment substance into theegg through the opening.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein theprojectile comprises a non-toxic, bio-degradable material.
 30. Themethod of claim 28, wherein the projectile comprises ice.
 31. Anapparatus for forming an opening in a shell of an avian egg, such thatthe potential for cracking is reduced, the apparatus comprising: a punchconfigured to form an opening in the shell; and an actuator operablyassociated with the punch that is configured to move the punch throughthe shell at a speed equal to or greater than thirty (30) inches persecond.
 32. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising a holder thatorients the egg in a predetermined position.
 33. The apparatus of claim31, further comprising an energy-absorbing material positioned betweenthe actuator and the egg shell that is configured to limit travel of thepunch through the egg shell to a predetermined distance.
 34. Theapparatus of claim 31, wherein the actuator is selected from the groupconsisting of gravity actuators, spring actuators, solenoid actuators,voice coil actuators, pneumatic actuators, piezoelectric actuators, andelectromagnetic actuators.
 35. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein thepunch comprises a projectile and wherein the actuator is configured tohurl the projectile at the egg shell at a speed equal to or greater thanthirty (30) inches per second.
 36. An apparatus for treating avianembryos in ovo, comprising: a holder that orients an egg in apredetermined position; a punch configured to form an opening in a shellof the egg; an actuator operably associated with the punch that isconfigured to move the punch through the shell at a speed equal to orgreater than thirty (30) inches per second; and a delivery deviceconfigured to deliver a predetermined dosage of a treatment substanceinto the egg via the opening.
 37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein thedelivery device comprises a delivery needle.
 38. The apparatus of claim36, wherein the delivery device is configured to hurl a projectilecomprising a predetermined dosage of a treatment substance into the eggvia the opening.
 39. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the actuator isselected from the group consisting of gravity actuators, springactuators, solenoid actuators, voice coil actuators, pneumaticactuators, piezoelectric actuators, and electromagnetic actuators. 40.The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the punch comprises a projectile andwherein the actuator is configured to hurl the projectile at the eggshell at a speed equal to or greater than thirty (30) inches per second.41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the projectile comprises anon-toxic, bio-degradable material.
 42. The apparatus of claim 40,wherein the projectile comprises ice.
 43. The apparatus of claim 36,wherein the projectile comprises a treatment substance.
 44. An apparatusfor treating avian embryos in ovo, comprising: a holder that orients anegg in a predetermined position; a punch configured to form an openingin a shell of the egg and to deliver a predetermined dosage of atreatment substance into the egg via the opening; and an actuatoroperably associated with the punch that is configured to move the punchthrough the shell at a speed equal to or greater than thirty (30) inchesper second.
 45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the punch comprises adelivery needle.
 46. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the punch isconfigured to hurl a projectile comprising a predetermined dosage of atreatment substance into the egg via the opening.
 47. The apparatus ofclaim 44, wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting ofgravity actuators, spring actuators, solenoid actuators, voice coilactuators, pneumatic actuators, piezoelectric actuators, andelectromagnetic actuators.
 48. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein thepunch comprises a projectile and wherein the actuator is configured tohurl the projectile at the egg shell at a speed equal to or greater thanthirty (30) inches per second.
 49. The apparatus of claim 48, whereinthe projectile comprises a non-toxic, bio-degradable material.
 50. Theapparatus of claim 48, wherein the projectile comprises ice.
 51. Theapparatus of claim 44, wherein the projectile comprises a treatmentsubstance.